Mangaladevi Temple Mangaladevi Temple is a 1000-year-old temple inside the dense forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Made of huge pieces of granite . The temple construction is in line with that of Pandyan architecture though there are no definite records of the time of its construction. The locals believe that it was the Chera king, Chenkuttuvan, who created the temple. The idol installation ceremony was believed to have been attended by many prominent personalities including the Lankan king, Gajabahu. Gajabahu also known as Gajabahuka Gamani (c.114 - 136 CE) was renowned for his religious benefactions and for his involvement in south Indian politics. Though now in a dilapidated condition, the boundary walls and the steps leading to the temple still have huge stones which stand in testimony to its earlier days of glory. When considering the location of the temple, one can imagine the enormity of the effort that would have been involved in bringing...